JJ Redick Offers Bizarre Take On LeBron James’ Mysterious Lakers Absence
JJ Redick Offers Bizarre Take On LeBron James’ Mysterious Lakers Absence
LeBron James’ mysterious decision to step away from the Los Angeles Lakers last week sent shockwaves throughout the NBA.
Older players taking time to heal injuries or rest up isn’t unusual in itself. But the way both James and L.A. handled the situation was bizarre. And it led to a lot of speculation behind what exactly was going on.
In attempt to ease everyone’s concerns, James returned to the lineup on Sunday night as the Lakers faced off against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Surely enough, L.A. experienced a boost with James’ return to the court after a nine-day hiatus. He showcased his enduring prowess, contributing 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. His performance was instrumental in the Lakers’ 116-110 victory at Crypto.com Arena.
Afterwards, JJ Redick, the Lakers’ head coach, praised James’ impact on the game. He highlighted his exceptional attention to detail and ability to make crucial defensive shifts. That said, he also offered some odd statements regarding James’ absence in the first place.
“I think it requires communication and feedback from both parties,” Redick said of how he and the organization will manage James going forward.
Spurs Linked To 3 Interesting Chris Paul Trades https://t.co/mChZOaoyvk
— Game 7 (@game7__) December 15, 2024
“Maybe it’s not sitting out a game… I told him the night before the game, not necessarily less minutes but sort of shorter runs so that he’s not getting gassed and then quicker segments on the bench and then he’s back in. So, there’s different ways to do it than just to say, ‘We’re going to rest you and you’re going to sit out a game.'”
The fact that Redick and the Lakers are on such different pages with James that he would acknowledge in an interview as much is telling.
That being said, James’ return injected new energy into the team’s dynamics.
Anthony Davis’ Angry Reaction To LeBron James’ Odd Absence https://t.co/nVFqEggvBx
— Game 7 (@game7__) December 15, 2024
Anthony Davis, another cornerstone of the Lakers’ roster, faced a brief injury scare during the Grizzlies game. Despite a shoulder issue that momentarily sent him to the locker room, Davis returned to finish with an impressive 40 points and 16 rebounds. Redick described the incident as a “stinger,” similar to one Davis experienced in a previous game.
Davis’ mid-range shooting has emerged as a critical asset for the Lakers. Redick underscored its importance in stretching defenses and creating scoring opportunities. This skill has become particularly valuable given the team’s recent struggles with three-point shooting.
The Lakers’ victory over the Grizzlies improved their season record to 14-12. This win provides momentum as they prepare to face the Sacramento Kings in their next matchup.
The Lakers’ coaching staff faces the ongoing challenge of optimizing player rotations and strategies. Redick’s approach emphasizes flexibility and communication, particularly in managing the workload of veteran players like James.
Looking ahead, the Lakers’ upcoming games will test their ability to maintain this momentum. The team’s performance against the Kings will provide further insight into their consistency and adaptability.
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
